Dr. Brent Anderson PT, PHD, OCS, NCPT is a physical therapist, Pilates educator and author of “Principles of Movement” He is also the founder of Polestar Pilates and an Assistant Professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health and Sciences.
To quote from his book, Dr. Brent Anderson sees Pilates “as a complementary holistic therapy, ideally positioned to assist physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals in movement education.” His research over the past thirty years into Pilates and movement sciences has contributed to its effectiveness and growing excitement in the field. He suggests that “the better we understand the diversity in pain interpretation, neuromuscular responses, historical perspective of pain and the individual as well as physiological and psychological adaptation we can start to see how complex and beautiful movement science is”. The key question for practitioners is: How do we gently influence our clients’ belief system to facilitate healing? Can we help alleviate emotional and physical stress by suggesting alternative movement patterns, using imagery, or employing tactile and verbal cueing?
Chapter One introduces the motor principles of movement, objectives, functional anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, motor control and motor learning, psychosocial sciences and a general conclusion. Following this, the book delves into the details, practical applications and teaching tips from 30 years of experience. Dr Anderson asks the critical questions, applies scientific reasoning and presents the principles of movement algorithm to exercise selection and treatment planning. Readers are taken through the application of movement principles to facilitate safe, timely, and effective client care.
For example, Chapter Two explores qualitative versus quantitative movement, examining the differences between them. Each principle is discussed and supported by evidence-based research from multiple scientific fields, ending with open ended questions for reflection.
This book highlights the importance of anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, kinesiological, psychological and energetic systems of the human being as they pertain to movement. Each section includes photographs, questions and detailed movement breakdowns for easy comprehension. One particularly fascinating chapter is on the subject of breathing, Dr. Anderson goes into great detail of function, from the sympathetic nerve ganglion to actions of the scalene then into the practical application when in exercises using legs in straps.
Maybe some of us learnt distribution of movement and distribution of force, motor control, alignment and assessment from various training programs. However, this book consolidates it all in one place and with much detail.
This book is for anyone with the passion to add to their learning of human movement and the healing process. It belongs in everyone’s library, to gradually earn earmarks and coffee stains from frequent reference.
Learn from someone who doesn’t call himself an expert but rather a passionate movement practitioner. Dr. Brent Anderson will be in Sydney 3-4 May 2025 for his “Align the World” tour. The event is hosted by Polestar Pilates Australia and is approved for 10 PDPs.
Written by Arwen McCutcheon
PAA Committee Member, PAA Practitioner level 4 member.
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